Video games make children like living dead

Video games make children like living dead

We have a number of young people who look almost stoned, not necessarily on drugs, but just with sleep deprivation because they’re gaming all the time

Paul Bowser, from Devon-based children’s charity Wings South West

Social workers are worried more and more computer gamers are “stoned” from sleep deprivation.

And they say their compulsion is sending their social skills downhill.

Paul Bowser, who works for Devon-based children’s charity Wings South West, said: “We have a number of young people who look almost stoned, not necessarily on drugs, but just with sleep deprivation because they’re gaming all the time. Whether it’s an obsession or an addiction, I don’t know.”

Robert Hart Fletcher of charity Kids and Media, said: “Genuine relationships with empathy and compassion have been replaced by virtual relationships.”

Bradley Bown of retailer Game in Plymouth said parents should be told how to limit time spent on consoles.

“But if someone has had a stressful day then it’s better to play a computer game than take it out on someone,” he added.